This is not my usual email, and I almost didn't know how to write it. But I have to.

For those of you who don't know, I'm Venezuelan. Venezuela is where I was born and raised until the age of 27.

Exactly one week ago, two massive earthquakes hit back to back, a 7.2 and then a 7.5 less than a minute later.

Buildings in Caracas and along the coast in La Guaira came down with families still inside them.

Thousands of people are dead, thousands more are injured, and tens of thousands are still unaccounted for, many of them buried under what used to be their homes.

In a functioning country, the government and rescue teams move in fast. In Venezuela, that is not happening.

Most of the official help simply isn't there. Even a week later, firefighters, military, and rescue crews have barely scratched the surface.

This is something unbearable to witness. I know exactly what happens to the thousands of bodies that stay trapped under the rubble.

The people who do make it out have lost everything in a matter of seconds: their homes, their belongings, often the people they love. No food. No clean water. No power. No gas. Nowhere to sleep. They sit on the side of the road at night, holding a baby, waiting for a stranger to hand them a bottle of water.

So who is actually helping?

Ordinary Venezuelans. People who I personally know. Neighbors pulling neighbors out of rubble with their bare hands. People driving in from other cities with their own food and water. Volunteers cooking soup in giant pots on the street because there is no one else to do it.

That is where you and I come in. I have spent the last week gathering people and organizations I trust. I want to share them with you, just in case you've felt hopeless watching the news and feel called to help, but don't know where to start.

If you want to give directly to people on the ground:

These are real people I personally know and who I have already donated to myself. Your money goes straight to them and straight into food, water, and supplies, today.

• Haisa Avila (@redbeyondfood). One of my dearest friends, whose parents live very close to some of the most affected areas. They are cooking hot meals on-site, and handing out food, water, and clothing to families who have nothing. They're even feeding the pets who have been left behind.

You can send her:

Venmo: haisa-Avila

Zelle: Haisa_15@hotmail.com or 951-499-7850

It's her birthday today, so make sure to mention this is for Venezuela's relief. Otherwise she might think it's a birthday gift from the universe 😅

She is sending the money to her parents who are the ones helping on the ground (the ones in the photos above). They always help other people in need (whether is an emergency or not). True angels!

• ​Fundana is one of Venezuela's most respected foundations caring for children who have lost their parents. Right now they need everything: cribs, diapers, formula, clothes, medical supplies, and a safe place for kids who woke up this week as orphans. You can give through:

Venmo: @fundana-venezuela

PayPal: fundanainternational@gmail.com

Zelle: fundanazelle@gmail.com

Their Go Fund Me​

If you'd rather give to a different organization:

• ​World Central Kitchen​ (Chef José Andrés' team) is in Caracas right now serving fresh meals to survivors and first responders, and just pledged 1 million dollars to the response. They are working with local Venezuelan partners, which is exactly what you want to see.
• ​GoFundMe's verified Venezuela relief page​ is a hub of fundraisers that GoFundMe's team has personally vetted, including groups like Direct Relief, UNICEF, Team Rubicon, and World Vision.

If you're in the US and want to drop off supplies in person:

A few Venezuelan-run drives are collecting non-perishable food, hygiene products, and baby supplies:

• Nashville, TN: a drive led by Luis Colmenares. Text 629-800-4188 to coordinate or arrange a pickup.
• Brooklyn, NY: Lulla's, 169 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206.
• Chicago, IL: 11° North Food Cafe, 824 W Belmont Ave, partnering with the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance (@ilvenalliance). In my opinion, these are the best arepas in Chicago, so if you donate, you can have a yummy meal too!

You don't have to use my list at all...

Honestly, this email is just a starting point. There is help happening everywhere right now, you just have to look.

If you know someone from Venezuela, reach out to them. There is a very good chance they are already collecting money or supplies for their own family and community back home, and they will know exactly where it needs to go.

And if you don't know anyone, do a quick search for a Venezuelan restaurant in your city. I am not exaggerating when I say almost every one of them is putting something together right now: a donation box by the register, a supply drive, a way to send things home. Walk in, ask, and they will point you in the right direction.

There is no wrong way to help. Pick whatever is easiest for you.

I'm not asking you to do anything we haven't done before.

Me and Gordon have done this in the past, and of course we're helping Venezuelans right now.

A couple of years ago, we went to Turkey to volunteer with a nonprofit after the earthquake there. We've seen first hand what happens after a big earthquake destroys everything you think is yours.

Nothing prepares you for it. An earthquake does not end when the shaking stops. That is when the worst part begins. (we made a video about it here)​

I don't care if this email sounds desperate. My country is desperate.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart 🥹

XO,

Aimara 🇻🇪

>> PS: If you only do one thing today, pick one name on this list and send whatever you can, even a few dollars. Then forward this to one person who might do the same. I promise it makes a difference.